Improvement in lock-hinges



UNITED STATES FREDERICK YV. NICHOLS, OF LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS.

IMPROVEMENT'IN LocK-HlNeEs. I

Specification forming part of Leiters Patent No. 146,776, dated J aruary 27, 1874 application led Decemberfi, 1873.

structed. in accordance with my invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section through the center of the same. Figs. 3 and 4 are perspective 'views ofthe two portions of the hinge detached. Fig. 5 is a front elevation of ahinge particularly adapted for desks and shelves. Fi g. 6 isa side elevation of the same.

My present invention has for its object to improve and cheapen the construction of selflocking hinges; and consists in providing one leaf or portion of the hinge with a centralpin cast in the saine piece, and surrounded by a spiral spring held in place by a screw or by a screw and washer, in combination with the other leaf or portion of the hinge, having a sleeve cast in the saine piece for inclosing and protecting the spring, the two leaves ofthe hinge being provided with notches and projections fitting each other, whereby they may be held in any desired position.

Toenable others skilled in the art to understand and 'use my invention, l will proceed to describe the manner in which l have carried it out.

In the said drawings, A, Figs. l and 2, represents a hinge especially designed for blinds and shutters, and composed of two leaves or portions, a b, the leaf a. being provided with a central pin, c, cast in one and the same piece therewith. This central pin projects through an opening in the leaf b, and passes centrally into a sleeve or casing, d, projecting from its outer surface, and cast in one and the same piece therewith, the portion of the pin within the sleeve being surrounded by a spiral spring, e, which is held in place upon the pin by a washer, h, secured to its outer end by a screw,

i; or the washer may be dispensed with and a screw having a head of a diameter greater than the spring may be employed. One .leaf of the hinge is provided withprojections 7s litt-ing into notchesl formed in the other leaf, and a ilange, m, projecting down from the leaf a, extends over and protects them from 4dust and the weather.` Within the sleeve (l (at a distance from the bottom 8 a triiie greater than the length of 'a projection, 75,) is fori'ned an annular shoulder, n, against which the j washer h or enlarged head oi' the screw i comes in contact when the spring is compressed by laterally forcing one leaf away from the other, by which construction the compression of the spring beyond the distance sui'licient to unlock the hinge and the liability of injuring and breaking the spring incident thereto are avoided. l

rlhe hin ne shown 1n F1os. 5 and 61s designed particularly for desks and` shelves, auxiliary leaves for sewing-machine tables, &c.

By inclosing the spring within a sleeve or casing the parts are securely protected from injury by exposure to dirt or the weather, and by casting the pin c in one and the same piece with the lea-t` a, and the sleeve d in one and the saine piece wit-h the leaf b, I am enabled to greatly simplify and clica-pen the construction of the hinge.

NV hat I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

The portion a, with its central pin c cast in the saine piece and surrounded by a spiral spring, c, held in place by a screw, 1'., or screw i and washer l1, in combination with the portion b, with its protecting sleeve d cast in the saine piece, all constructed and operating substantially in the manner and for the purpose set forth.

Witness my hand this 25th day of November, 1873.

FREDERICK W. NICHOLS.

In presenceof N. W. STnARNs, W. J. OAMBRinGE.. 

